About Us

We are British Columbia’s health research agency. We are working towards a future where BC is recognized worldwide for its vibrant, coherent, inclusive and globally competitive health research system, which improves the health of British Columbians, the health system and the economy. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and Indigenous reconciliation and self-determination continues to guide us.

As a provincial organization, our work extends across many Indigenous lands and territories throughout BC. We acknowledge with respect and humility that our Vancouver office is located on the traditional and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Current Funding Opportunities

Research on Research Joint Initiative

We are partnering with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research on a joint funding opportunity for research on research – the application of rigorous methods and analysis to the practice of research itself – its methods, standards, and evaluation. The funding opportunity welcomes applications related to research-on-research (meta-research) in any disciplinary context. Application deadline: February 20, 2025

CANSTAT Clinical Trials Fellowship Program

We are partnering with CANSTAT, a CIHR-funded clinical trials training platform, to increase clinical trials capacity. The program is designed for individuals with a MSc or PhD in statistics, biostatistics or relevant health sciences discipline with a strong statistical or quantitative background. The fellowship includes a placement in a Canadian institution conducting clinical trials, giving fellows hands-on experience with biostatistician duties under the guidance of expert mentors. Application deadline: February 21, 2025.

Advancing the Use of Evidence in Seniors’ Home & Community Care Program

Supports teams of researchers and research users within the BC health system and academia to implement and evaluate the outcomes of evidence-based interventions in seniors’ home and community care.

Research Trainee Program

Letter of intent deadline has passed. Supports the best and brightest health researchers in training to enable career development and support world-class health research in BC.

CANTRAIN Clinical Research Internships

Michael Smith Health Research BC partners with Canadian Consortium of Clinical Trial Training (CANTRAIN), funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, to help increase clinical trials training, expertise and capacity in BC and across Canada.

Health Research BC-Mitacs Health System Focused Opportunity

Through a partnership with Mitacs, this opportunity provides graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with placements at health organizations or municipalities focused on improving health to gain experience working with BC’s health system and apply their research skills to address pressing health and health system focused challenges.

Applications are now open for:

Latest News

News

Regional Diversity

Dr. Robert Olson. Professor and head, division of radiation oncology, department of surgery, faculty of medicine, University of British Columbia Medical director, BC Cancer – Prince George, Provincial Health Services Authority.

Bringing research closer to home

30 January 2025

Dr. Robert Olson is transforming clinical trial access in northern BC, ensuring rural patients can participate in cutting-edge cancer research.

News

Promotional banner for the Clinical Research Ethics Symposium 2024, an online event on December 3-4, 2024. The banner includes an icon representing an online event and the Health Research Ethics BC logo.

Symposium explores the future of clinical research ethics

28 January 2025

The 2024 Clinical Research Ethics Symposium brought more than 100 participants together to explore the ethical questions shaping today’s research.

News

A group of pharmacy staff from Northern Health sitting around a table, smiling and showing their art during a Secret Pocket workshop.

Fighting colonialism through art

22 January 2025

Researchers and Indigenous community members and organizations are working together to shape more inclusive, culturally safe healthcare environments in the north.

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